Tamaru

Partway down Gonnosuke-zaka in Meguro, Tamaru has the sort of welcoming look that invites you to step inside. Loved by diners for many years, the shop serves nostalgic, soy sauce-based ramen in an unfussy setting with counter seating.

The standout on the menu is the green onion and char siu ramen. A generous mound of crisp chopped green onion and thin strips of char siu covers the bowl, dressed in a mildly spicy sauce with chilli oil. The heat and savoury richness mingle with the gentle, light soy sauce broth, making each mouthful of curly noodles all the more satisfying. If you have room, adding the rice set makes a filling pairing with the toppings.

For a milder bowl, options include the standard ramen, char siu ramen topped with thick slices of meat, and wonton ramen. The char siu and wonton ramen may arrive in a shallow, plate-like dish rather than a deep bowl. The distinctive presentation, sometimes accompanied by softly cooked cabbage, is memorable too.

There are also house-made gyoza, stir-fried bean sprouts, and set meals pairing bottled beer with green onion and char siu. They make an easy choice for a drink before dinner. Whether you are stopping in for a substantial lunch or a casual bowl after work or other evening plans, Tamaru fits neatly into the rhythms of everyday life.